DATE :
Sunday, June 15, 2025
1957 Fender Musicmaster: Pre-CBS Student Guitar Excellence
1957 Fender Musicmaster: Pre-CBS Student Guitar Excellence
Why the 1957 Musicmaster Matters
The 1957 Fender Musicmaster represents a pivotal moment in electric guitar history—Leo Fender's first successful attempt at creating a quality student model that didn't compromise on construction or materials. Introduced in late 1956, the Musicmaster was Fender's first 3/4 scale student-model guitar, designed to expand the company's hold on the teaching studio and young student market. This was a strategic move that would prove incredibly successful, as many prominent players got their start on these unassuming instruments.
What makes 1957 particularly special is that even instruments intended for beginners were manufactured in Fullerton to the same quality standards and with the same materials that make Stratocasters and Telecasters of the late 1950s so desirable. These guitars feature the same legendary pre-CBS Fender quality that collectors covet, but in a more accessible package that was originally intended for students.
What sets the 1957 Musicmaster apart:
Built during Leo Fender's original vision, before CBS acquisition concerns
Same construction standards as professional Fender models
Classic '57 Fender "soft V" neck profile identical to Stratocaster necks
Premium alder body construction with nitrocellulose finish
Original anodized aluminum pickguard with gold finish
Hand-wound single-coil pickup with warm, focused tone
Part of the pre-CBS era that ended in 1965
Historical Context: Fender's Strategic Expansion
In 1957, Fender was at the height of its creative powers. The Stratocaster had been on the market for three years and was gaining acceptance among professional players, while the Telecaster continued to dominate country music. Design work on the Musicmaster and its two-pickup variant Duo-Sonic began in late 1955 following a request from Fender Sales, with prototypes made in early 1956.
The timing couldn't have been better. Rock and roll was exploding, and young players across America wanted electric guitars. However, Stratocasters and Telecasters were expensive for students and parents. Fender always believed that if beginner guitarists chose Fender, they would more likely continue playing Fender guitars as they got older. The 1957 Musicmaster was Leo Fender's solution—a genuine Fender electric guitar that students could afford.
The 1957 model year was significant because it represented the Musicmaster in its purest form. The guitars featured a short-scale maple neck and a single pickup in the neck position with volume and tone controls, along with the original anodized metal pickguard. The simple elegance of the design—combined with Fender's uncompromising build quality—created an instrument that was far more than just a "student guitar."
Current Market Value (2025 Update)
The 1957 Fender Musicmaster has experienced significant appreciation in recent years as collectors recognize these instruments as the last truly affordable entry point into pre-CBS Fender ownership. Over the past few years, the maple neck 50s era Musicmasters and Duo-Sonics have jumped up in popularity and quite honestly are some of the only relatively affordable 50s era Fender instruments still available.
Key Value Factors:
Originality Premium: All-original examples with intact anodized pickguard, original pickup, and original electronics command 40-50% more than modified examples
Finish Condition: The delicate Desert Sand finish is prone to wear; clean examples are increasingly rare
Electronics: Original Stackpole potentiometers and hand-wound pickup add significant value
Neck Profile: The desirable 1957 "soft V" neck profile is sought after by players and collectors
Documentation: Original brown case, hang tags, or receipts can add 15-20% to value
Recent Market Trends: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated interest in vintage guitars, with 1950s Fenders experiencing particular growth. While Stratocasters and Telecasters from this era now command six-figure prices, the Musicmaster remains accessible to collectors seeking authentic pre-CBS Fender ownership.
Important Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium 1957 Musicmaster examples. Our deep knowledge of these instruments allows us to recognize value that less specialized buyers might miss.
Detailed Identification Guide
Serial Numbers
1957 Fender guitars typically have serial numbers ranging from 16000-25000, stamped on the chrome neck plate. However, Fender neck plates were selected from large bins and it's difficult to properly date these guitars by neck plate alone. Serial numbers should always be cross-referenced with neck dates and potentiometer codes for accurate dating.
Neck Date
The most reliable identifier is the pencil-written or stamped date on the heel of the neck, visible when the neck is removed from the body. 1957 necks typically show dates like "9-57" indicating month and year of manufacture. Some examples may have no visible neck date, which was not uncommon during this period.
Potentiometer Codes
Fender primarily used Stackpole potentiometers (code 304) during the 1950s. The dating format follows this pattern:
304-XXX: Stackpole manufacturer code followed by date code
Example: 304-5720 = Stackpole potentiometer, 20th week of 1957
The marking format is always the same: for example, 304-64-40. This means the potentiometer is Stackpole, 64 indicates 1964, 40 stands for a particular week of the year
Key Visual Identifiers
Body Construction:
Alder body with Desert Sand nitrocellulose finish
Bodies were typically ash, and later alder, finished in a light creamy color: Desert Sand
Contoured body similar to Stratocaster but smaller overall dimensions
Original finish has aged to a warm, creamy yellow tone
Pickguard:
Rather fetching gold anodized aluminum scratchplate
Single-layer construction (not laminated like later models)
Unique gold/bronze anodized finish that's highly distinctive
The original anodized metal pickguard has only light wear and still looks sharp on well-preserved examples
Neck Features:
Single-piece maple neck and fingerboard with 21 fret maple fretboards with Fender's clay dot position markers
Classic '57 Fender "soft V" profile
22.5" scale length (shorter than standard 25.5")
1 5/8 in. (41 mm.) nut width
Hardware Specifications:
White plastic Kluson tuners with white buttons
Chrome bridge with individual saddles
Snap-on chrome bridge cover (often missing on surviving examples)
Volume and tone knobs in white plastic
Chrome output jack plate
Factory Markings
Look for these period-correct markings:
"Fender" decal on headstock in "spaghetti" style lettering
"Original Fender" stamped on neck plate
Patent numbers below logo (when present)
Handwritten notations on neck heel may include original date and sometimes re-work dates
Detailed Physical Specifications
Dimensions:
Overall length: 37 5/8 in. (95.6 cm.)
Width at lower bout: 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm.)
Body depth: 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm.) measured at side of rim
Weight range: typically 5 lbs. 14 oz.
Neck Specifications:
Scale length: 22 1/2 in. (572 mm.)
Nut width: 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.)
21 frets on single-piece maple neck and fingerboard
Neck profile: Soft V shape, comfortable for all hand sizes
Fingerboard radius: Approximately 7.25" (vintage Fender standard)
Electronics:
Single-coil pickup in neck position
Original pickup typically measures just over 6k ohms resistance
Hand-wound coil with period-correct magnet wire
Simple wiring: volume and tone controls only
Original Stackpole potentiometers from period of manufacture
Case: Original brown tolex hard shell case was standard equipment. These cases featured:
Brown tolex exterior with brown plush interior
Single latch closure
Fender logo on case exterior
Accessory compartment for picks, strings, etc.
Tonal Characteristics
The 1957 Musicmaster possesses a surprisingly sophisticated voice for a student instrument. While Musicmaster pickups share some DNA with the Stratocaster pickup, they generally have their own sound. Bright and clear with a leaner bass response, they excel at providing a focused tone...even in the neck position.
Sound Profile:
Clean Tones: Bright, articulate, and chimey with excellent note separation
Overdriven Tones: Focused midrange with controlled compression and musical breakup
Bass Response: Lean but tight, avoiding muddiness even with heavy effects
Treble Response: Crisp and present without harshness
Dynamic Range: Excellent response to picking dynamics and volume knob adjustments
The pickup's neck position placement gives the Musicmaster a warmer fundamental tone than bridge pickups, while the shorter scale length contributes to easier string bending and a slightly compressed feel. The Musicmaster is not Fender's most versatile guitar but as good sounding one, with a surprising warmth and depth through the right amp.
Amplifier Pairing: 1957 Musicmasters shine through vintage-style tube amplifiers, particularly:
Fender Deluxe or Princeton for classic clean tones
Vox AC15/AC30 for British-influenced sounds
Small tube amps that break up naturally at moderate volumes
Common Issues & Modifications
Typical Problems Found in 1957 Musicmasters
Anodized Pickguard Wear: The metal pickguard has some fairly heavy picking wear on the lower half, as is often typical with these. The gold anodization can wear through to reveal the aluminum underneath, particularly around the picking area.
Electronics Issues:
This guitar has not been stripped of its more valuable parts (knobs, neckplate, pots, and wiring) as so many have
Original potentiometers may become scratchy or fail over time
Output jacks frequently need replacement due to corrosion
Original cloth-covered wire can become brittle
Hardware Problems:
The original tuner buttons crumbled over time and have been replaced on many examples
Bridge saddle screws often replaced due to corrosion
Chrome bridge cover frequently missing (these were removable and often lost)
Finish Issues:
Desert Sand finish prone to checking and discoloration
UV exposure can cause uneven fading
The body has most likely undergone a refinish on many surviving examples
Original Desert Sand finish stripped ages ago and was cleared over is unfortunately common
Value-Affecting Modifications
Common Modifications to Avoid:
Pickup replacement (significantly reduces value)
Electronics upgrades with modern components
Refinishing of body or neck
Replacement of anodized pickguard with plastic
Conversion to modern tuners without retaining originals
Period-Correct Modifications: Some modifications were done during the original era and don't necessarily hurt value:
Professional fret replacement with period-correct wire
Nut replacement due to wear
Professional setup and maintenance
Authentication Red Flags
Warning Signs of Counterfeits or Heavy Modifications:
Modern pickup in vintage mounting ring
Replaced electronics without original parts included
Non-original finishes (especially sunburst or other colors)
Incorrect serial number ranges
Modern plastic pickguard replacing original aluminum
Neck replacements or major repairs
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
Playing Characteristics
The 1957 Musicmaster offers several advantages that modern players appreciate:
Ergonomic Benefits:
22.5" scale length makes it easier to play for those with smaller hands or for players who prefer a lighter string tension
Lightweight construction reduces shoulder fatigue during long sessions
Compact and easy to play design perfect for travel or practice
Comfortable neck profile appeals to players of all skill levels
Musical Applications:
Perfect for recording where a focused, cutting tone is needed
Excellent for blues, rockabilly, and vintage rock styles
Well-suited for clean and slightly overdriven tones, ideal for rock and blues styles
Unique voice that stands out in a mix
Collector Appeal
Historical Significance:
Represents Leo Fender's democratic vision of quality instruments for all players
Pre-CBS construction with same materials and standards as professional models
As fine an example of an original Fender Musicmaster as you are likely to encounter
Part of Fender's foundational period when the electric guitar was being defined
Investment Potential:
Only relatively affordable 50s era Fender instruments still available
Increasing recognition among collectors as the market for Stratocasters and Telecasters prices out many buyers
Strong appreciation potential as pre-CBS Fender becomes increasingly scarce
Growing appreciation for "student" models that helped launch countless musical careers
Notable Users: Musicians such as David Byrne and Liz Phair used a Fender Musicmaster, demonstrating the instrument's appeal beyond its original student market. Mickey "Dean Ween" Melchiondo has been noted for using a 1959 Fender Musicmaster, showing how these instruments continue to find favor with creative professionals.
Selling Your 1957 Fender Musicmaster
If you own a 1957 Musicmaster (or any vintage Fender instrument), Edgewater Guitars offers the most straightforward and profitable way to sell your guitar. Unlike guitar shops that need to maintain large margins for resale, we specialize in purchasing directly from owners at fair market values.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars?
Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true collector value of these instruments. Our expertise in pre-CBS Fender guitars allows us to recognize authenticity and condition factors that other buyers might miss.
Expert Authentication Services: Our team of vintage Fender specialists can help verify:
Original serial numbers and dating
Authenticity of electronics and hardware
Condition assessment and restoration history
Market value based on current collector demand
Streamlined Process:
Free, no-obligation valuations
In-person evaluation for high-value instruments
Immediate cash payment upon agreement
We handle all logistics, even for delicate vintage instruments
Discrete, professional service for valuable collections
Geographic Coverage: We serve guitar sellers throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For exceptional 1957 Musicmasters, we travel to you to provide on-site evaluation and purchase.
What We Look For
When evaluating a 1957 Musicmaster, we consider:
Originality of all components (pickup, electronics, hardware)
Condition of the iconic anodized aluminum pickguard
Authenticity of the Desert Sand finish
Presence of original case and documentation
Overall condition and playability
Ready to sell your vintage Fender? Get your free valuation by calling us directly at (440) 219-3607 or request a quote online. We make selling your 1957 Musicmaster as easy as possible while ensuring you receive top dollar for your instrument.
Related Resources
Fender Dating and Authentication Tools
Related Model Information
Selling Resources
Recently Purchased 1957 Musicmaster
We recently acquired this exceptional all-original 1957 Fender Musicmaster from a collector in Toledo. The guitar featured its original Desert Sand finish, intact anodized aluminum pickguard, and completely original electronics including the hand-wound pickup and Stackpole potentiometers.
After providing an on-site appraisal and authentication, we made an immediate cash offer that exceeded the seller's expectations by more than $2,000 compared to quotes from local music stores. The seller was particularly pleased with our knowledge of these instruments and our ability to properly value the rarity of finding a truly unmodified example.
"I had no idea my old student guitar was worth so much. Edgewater's expertise made all the difference—they knew exactly what to look for and paid me far more than the music shop offered. The process was completely professional and stress-free." — Robert K., Toledo, OH
This transaction demonstrates our commitment to fair pricing and deep knowledge of vintage Fender instruments. Whether your 1957 Musicmaster is a pristine collector piece or a well-played vintage instrument, we can help you determine its true value and make a competitive offer.
Expert Authentication and Market Knowledge
At Edgewater Guitars, we understand that the 1957 Fender Musicmaster represents more than just a student guitar—it's a piece of American musical history built during Leo Fender's golden era. Our expertise in pre-CBS Fender instruments ensures that you receive accurate authentication and fair market valuation for your vintage guitar.
The market for 1950s Fender guitars continues to strengthen as collectors recognize these instruments as the last affordable entry point into pre-CBS ownership. As Stratocasters and Telecasters from this era reach stratospheric prices, the Musicmaster offers collectors authentic vintage Fender quality at a fraction of the cost.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation evaluation:
Phone: (440) 219-3607
Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia
Specialization: Vintage Fender guitars, basses, and amplifiers
Experience: Over 20 years in vintage guitar buying and authentication
Don't let your 1957 Fender Musicmaster sit unplayed in a closet. These instruments were meant to make music, and if you're ready to pass yours on to its next caretaker, we're here to ensure you receive the premium value your vintage Fender deserves.
